Raven Shaw once loved a boy so deeply and so fiercely that their separation sent her already tenuous hold on peace spiraling. A rough life topped by heartbreak is hardly the best way to begin motherhood, but with a babe on the way and Liam out of the picture, Raven is determined to be the best mother she could.
Liam Lemaître has a powerful family, and yet Raven once was his everything, and the only love he’d ever known. Deception drew them away from each other. Liam has realized that of all the material possessions he has—and he has lots—his assets honestly don’t add up to shit without Raven. Then suddenly, Raven stands before him, spitting fire and venom. And she has kept their child.
Two dynamic souls were kept apart by family and schemes far beyond their control. Can they somehow see past the lies and find themselves again? Will the truth set them free, or destroy their love forever?

Raven could almost feel the secretary spit the words as she grasped the double doors with both hands and opened them. Remember to breathe.

Yards away, Liam stood at a full window, back to her, talking on the phone. When he turned around, she stopped. He was taller than she remembered. Intimidating.

The business magazine hadn’t done him justice. She’d stared at it for hours, hoping to find a flaw. Now, as she stood just inside the doorway, she didn’t know what to do or say. She watched him round the corner of his desk. The bridge of his nose complemented a face of perfect symmetry. Gold skin due to Creole linage he’d inherited from his father’s side. Biceps bulged under his shirtsleeves—powerful, like he could pick her up and toss her out. Hell, out of the universe!

And then he glanced her way.

Fuck, I looked into his eyes. Liam’s amber gaze held Raven captive. How long have I been standing here? Their eyes magnetized; his leaving her speechless and lost. Stop, Raven. Take a breath and stop looking into his eyes! Damn you.

Two suited men stood at either side of her, tugging her arms. The connection she had with Liam snapped as she was tugged away.

“Get your hands off me!”

“Raven?” Head cocked to the side, Liam stepped closer.

“You don’t remember me?” Raven asked. The men stopped; all three looked at Liam, brows raised. She wondered if she was just that forgetful.

“Let her go,” Liam said, coming to his senses.

“Mr. Lemaître, allow me to just pat her down,” one of the guards said.

“Just let her go. Despite her size, she’ll hurt both of you if you don’t,”

His demeanor was serious, commanding even as he rounded the desk to his chair. “Lil’ Raven, always so feisty.”

She watched the guards close the door behind them. Turning back to Liam, she disregarded his request for her to sit, needing the height factor to make five foot two feel … bold. Jutting her chin, her commanding tone made her feel five five. “You’re going to help me with my—our daughter!”

“Daughter?” Liam sank into his seat.

“Yes, our daughter. I want you to help me with her.” Raven stepped past the white couches. “Financially.”

“Financially?” He rubbed a hand over blond hair.

“All that education, yet you don’t understand, Liam? I want help with Royael.” His inquisitive face made her lose momentum. Five two again.

“Royal, what? You’re crazier than I remember.”

“Our child’s name is Royael. You wouldn’t know that, though.” She let her fingertips rest on his desk, leaning forward as spirals of hair framed an icy gaze. “I’ve been paying for dance classes, clothes, food, everything! I guess I gotta get crazy with you,” she warned, noticing her words didn’t seem to penetrate.

“That’s how it gotta be?” She took a seat on top of the sleek desk, crossing her legs. She felt five ten and had seen the stance in a movie. Keeping up calm appearances, she pulled back a silver ball from the swinging pendulum, watched it clink back and forth. She breathed through her mouth. His scent already embraced her. Calming. Teasing. Angering. Envying.

He placed a hand on the phone, eyebrow cocked.

“We can go there if you want, Liam. Before you dial security, I should warn that I am great friends with one of the editors of Scandalous magazine.” Voice soft as satin, Raven peered into Liam’s eyes. It was safe, now that she had all his attention. She breathed in the scent of fear. Inside, she was well over six feet and had the upper-hand!

“Hmmm …” Liam laced his hands behind his head and leaned back for a second, taking in that pout of hers. Then his hazel eyes narrowed. “I do not like threats, Raven Shaw.”

“Oh, yeah. Well, I didn’t like your letter saying our baby is a freak of nature. You’re an asshole. You thought I would abort my child because you didn’t want her.” She hopped off the desk, putting her hand on full hips with all of the confidence of a giant. “Royael is the most beautiful, fun, loving, energetic … She’s everything that any father would want in a child. Except for you.”

Raven fed off his guilty-as-sin façade. He no longer had that cocky allure. He had that little-fat-Liam-from-the-seventh-grade look about him. Uncertain, out of control.

“Royael deserves a better life.” Looking around the marble flooring, she remembered leaving her briefcase outside. Instead of losing momentum, she snatched a sticky note off his desk. She scribbled on it, flicking it in his general direction. “Put some money in that account for Royael.”

The name is Nicole but I sort of like to be called Amarie Avant on occasion. Both names in my pseudonym are from R&B singers, it was either that or Emeli (singer Emeli Sande). I am the bestselling author of the erotic-romantic suspense series “FEAR: Falling in Love with an Alpha Billionaire” and “The Good Mistress.” Though I do love the reviews which indicate as much.
I am married with two daughters, and live in Southern California. I received dual bachelor degrees in Psychology and Child Development. Because I liked going to school and really didn’t want to go to work yet, I continued on to grad school and graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s in Counseling from Azusa Pacific University – where God comes first.
I work with a colorful variety of clients as evidenced by the sociopath, yet sexy Victor D’Ross in the FEAR series, and how psychologically effed up Melody is in the story “His Melody.” When I’m not dealing with a client’s crisis or mental breakdown, I like to write about sex, love, murder, and alphas. I think highly of myself when I’m kicking the air’s ass while doing Taebo, I love the beach and deep-discount coupon shopping at Macy’s and Pier 1 Imports. I will beg like TLC for a book review, and I’m so addicted to book covers I might need to be committed. I’ve got three book covers I’m sitting on and still searching for more.

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About the authors

International Bestselling Author Ker Dukey

I have always had a passion for storytelling, whether it be through lyrics or bed time stories with my sisters. I wanted to be an actress growing up so I could live many roles but I learned early on that my mind was too active… I would want to change the script.I would watch films and think of ways they could have improved the story if they took another direction so i thought it best that I tell my own.

My mum would always have a book in her hand when I was young and passed on her love for reading, inspiring me to venture into writing my own. I tend to have a darker edge to my writing. Not all love stories are made from light, some are created in darkness but are just as powerful and worth telling.

When I’m not lost in the world of characters I love spending time with my family. I’m a mum and that comes first in my life but when I do get down time I love attending music concerts or reading events with my younger sister.

K Webster is the author of dozens of romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she's active on social media connecting with her readers.

Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.

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A
few minutes later my phone vibrated on the table,
and I read a text message that sent shivers down my body. I want you, Claire. I'll make you beg. I'll fuck you until you can't
feel your legs. Whisper in your ear to come for me while you dig your nails
into my back.

“Oh
my God,” I blushed uncontrollably as his hand made its way back onto my legs.
“Jake, stop!”

I
should have. I knew that I should have. I should have made Jake stop. We were in the library, for crying
out loud. People studied there. And we weren’t alone.

I
looked around. I didn’t see any cameras. At the same time, that sneaky hand
reached the inside of my thigh. I gasped, closing my eyes.

“I’ll
stop. I will.” His hand disappeared up my skirt.

I
opened my legs slightly, aching for his touch.

“Hmm,”
he whispered, “I think you want me to keep going.”

Tia
Lewis is a romance author from the Midwest who writes about smart, sexy, sassy
women and hot, possessive alpha males. Her favorite bad boys to write about
include sports players, mafia, bikers, billionaires and the bad-ass next door.
You can find her cooking, reading, or traveling when she’s not busy working on
her next release.

Ryder Daniels is all too familiar with rejection. His parents cut off contact because he’s gay and his boyfriend left him, choosing drugs over love. Aside from his rescued pit bull, his only joy is hanging out with his younger brother. Then his mother does the unthinkable and forbids them to see each other, leaving Ryder devastated and alone. His friends urge him to date, but Ryder would rather throw himself into working at the dog rescue and figuring out a way to see his brother again.

When Jason Mallory’s girlfriend gives him an ultimatum to get married, he shocks everyone by breaking up with her instead. He believes he's too busy for a relationship now that the construction company he started with his brother is taking off. When he discovers a group of abandoned pit bulls and calls the local dog rescue group to pick them up, an uncomfortable encounter with Ryder causes Jason to question feelings he’s hidden deep inside for years.

Jason and Ryder build a friendship, until an unexpected kiss sparks the attraction they’ve been fighting. Jason gives Ryder unconditional love and helps him reconnect with his brother while Ryder shows Jason the passion he’s always missed in relationships. Together they must battle through their family differences and ugly prejudices. Only then can they prove that once you find the right person to love, there’s no turning back.

This is a re-release of the original book which was first published in August of 2014. The entire book has been revised and re-edited with over 10k words added. In addition, at the end of this book is a sneak peek of the next book in Ryder and Jason's story, Reunited.

Still glaring at him, Jason moved a step closer. “I know you did, but I didn’t get a chance to answer. You dismissed me like I was a stranger. I thought we were friends.” He raked his hand through his hair as his voice, full of frustration, rose a notch. “Look, I didn’t plan on it happening. It surprised me as much as you, but I thought you knew me well enough to know I wouldn’t fuck around with you.”

Ryder tried to ease Jason’s agitated state. “It’s fine. Let’s forget about it, all right?” He gave him an uncertain smile. Better this way. They could work through Jason’s uncomfortable feelings, and as for his own yet-to-be-reckoned-with desires, he could push them back into that black box where he kept all his life’s disappointments. Right now it contained his parents’ treatment of him, his inability to see his brother and the affairs with Josh and Matt. Jason would be one more depressing addition.

Jason cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t think you understand.” He took a step closer. “I’m not sorry for kissing you.”

Jason’s soft, husky voice sent a shiver through Ryder and he backtracked a few steps. “I am, though. I’m not looking to teach someone to be gay. You either are or you aren’t, man, and you’re straight.” It pained him to push the guy away, but he wasn’t about to sacrifice a friendship for casual sex.

Jason snorted. “You don’t really know shit about me. If I was perfectly straight, would I have dreams about you?” His blue eyes took on a glint Ryder had never seen before as he continued. “Dreams that have you on your knees sucking my brains out through my cock. Dreams of me sucking you.”

Ryder retreated until he ran out of space and found his back up against the wall, his eyes still caught up in Jason’s mesmerizing dark blue regard. All the air seemed to have been sucked out of the room.

“No one’s ever had this effect on me, not any woman I’ve ever dated or slept with, none of my friends. Not even the guy I once fooled around with in college.” Jason swallowed, a heavy, nervous gulp, then huffed out a self-conscious laugh, all the while never breaking eye contact. “You didn’t know that about me, did you? I’ve never told anyone until now.”

Ryder stood mute, in a state of suspended belief that Jason stood before him, saying these things to him. Jason—bisexual? Was that what he wanted to say? That explosive piece of information Ryder knew had never been shared with anyone before warmed his heart. Jason shared his secret with him, but Ryder remained uncertain what it ultimately meant to their friendship. His heart beat a wild, stuttering rhythm while blood pounded in his head.

As if he couldn’t bear to face Ryder with what he was about to say, Jason turned his back to him. His normally steady, calm voice shook somewhat, betraying exactly how deep his uncertainty ran. “I don’t know what I’m doing here. Am I gay now, ’cause I dream of you, your mouth, your tongue in my mouth? Or, am I bi? God, I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but it’s been making me crazy for weeks now, and I’m not sure what’s happening to me anymore.” He tried to laugh, but it came out choked. “I’m kinda lost at sea here, floating around without a paddle. You know”—a red flush stained the back of his neck—“sex with my ex-girlfriend was never that good. When I look back, it was always unsatisfying, a way to get off quick.” His whisper sounded like a shout to Ryder’s ears. “Maybe it’s why I’ve never thought of settling down. Maybe I knew something was missing.”

Author Bio

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, my characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

Jacqui Bishop’s dating life is dead in the water, but her professional prospects look outstanding. Promised a management position, she embarks on a team building course at a northern California winery. Shocked when her boss promotes a less qualified rival, Jac opts to chuck her job and revive the family farm. Luscious Luke Rossi has been banished to Team Vino to learn how to be the team player his boss wants. Once there, he finds he’d rather play on Jac Bishop’s team. But a labor dispute and a boss who only wants a yes-man forces him to leave Jac’s side. As the daytime exercises give way to nighttime passions, Jac learns there’s more to life than a nine-to-five existence. But resigning her job and moving to a farm hundreds of miles from Luke could spell doom for the couple. Their affair will require teamwork of a different kind. For Jac, the looming question is whether her budding relationship with Luke will thrive or die on the vine.

Relief pulsed through her as Jules mentioned Luke had arrived. No offense to the insurance guys, but she was worn out with what little interaction she’d had with them. Jac paid scant attention to the conversation flowing around her as she sipped her wine. Nerves chased through her stomach at the idea of working for a week with Bella’s ideal of male perfection.

Footsteps echoed near the doorway to the dining area only an instant before the owner of them walked through.

She’d been instantly smitten with the man when Bella had introduced her to him last month. The attraction blossomed to life again. Luca Rossi was panty-dropping, ovary-exploding handsome. Bella’s nickname for him was well deserved. Luscious Luke, indeed. His short, dark brown hair curled and waved as if it had a mind of its own. Bright, inquisitive eyes didn’t seem to miss anything as he glanced around the room. His gaze slid past her, lighted on Jules, who remained standing next to her, then returned to Jac’s face.

A slow, sexy grin tugged the corners of his mouth. A faint shadow of stubble emphasized more than hid his square jaw. It was a strong face . . . perfect in the way it was put together.

Conversation around her faded into the background. Jac forgot to breathe for a second. A wave of dizziness swept over her. And, no, a lack of oxygen wasn’t the cause. Uh-uh, it had to be due to being this close to a living, breathing Roman god. Or because he continued to stare at her. He lifted a brow over gorgeous blue-green eyes and his smile broadened, allowing even white teeth to peek between full lips.

Author Bio

Gemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a slip of paper from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss, even the rejections addressed to 'Dear Author' were gratifying. After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue a vocation as a romance author.

The favor seemed simple: Keep my new stepsister out of trouble for one summer. I’ve never met Grace Lee, but Mom tells me she’s a quiet and artsy college student with a troubled past. When I agreed to let her stay with me, I thought it was no big deal. I expected to share my apartment with a sullen girl who’d spend hours locked in her room. I didn’t expect a walking fantasy determined to make me lose my cool. I didn’t expect a woman with secrets so dark, so deep, I’d throw away everything if it would save her from the past. Rushing in to do this favor is turning my life upside down—and not just because Grace needs her ass spanked. Keep her out of trouble? Grace is the trouble. And I want in.

I shrug. “It’s not like it’s full-length and gonna get tangled around my legs or anything.”

His gaze drifts down my body again, this time landing on the thigh visible beneath the hem of my dress. “It’s certainly not,” he mumbles, and the way he says it has my cheeks burning and me reaching for my water.

So damn thirsty.

We finish packing up our lunch together, and after we put the cooler back in the car, I grab the park pamphlet out of the front seat. “Come on,” I say, nodding in the direction of the outlook. “It’s my turn to be in charge.”

The park is beautiful, but as soon as we enter the woods and I see the overlook, my breath catches. From here, we have a view of the ravine below and the creek rushing through the bottom. Mossy rock faces make up the ravine walls, and trees protrude from them. It’s possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

I head past the overlook and take the stairs down into the ravine. It’s shady back here and feels ten degrees cooler than our picnic table in the sun.

At the bottom of the stairs, the trail splits in three directions, and when I follow the sign with the three, Chris puts his hand on my arm. “Hey, this one has ladders.”

I arch a brow and drop my gaze to my shoes. “I can handle it.”

Something passes over his face I don’t understand, and then he sighs and nods. “Okay, but I’m climbing the ladders behind you. If any creep is going to be looking up your dress today, it’s gonna be me.”

He mutters something that sounds like “Dreams really do come true,” but I can’t be sure.

The trail leads down into the ravine and along the creek bed. It’s so much cooler down here, and I love the sound of the creek rock crunching under my feet as we walk along.

By the time we come upon the first ladder, there’s no one else around.

“Ladies first,” he says, gesturing toward the ladder.

“Pervert,” I mutter, but I move forward and begin my climb. The rungs are coated in mud, and when I’m halfway up, one foot slips and suddenly Chris’s hands are there, holding me steady, his hands strong and warm against the backs of my legs.

My breath catches, and I force myself to breathe and find my footing. The feel of his hands against my skin causes something to swirl hot and tight low in my belly.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice as thick as the forest beyond the trail.

I’m not okay. I’m afraid to move. Afraid not to move. Trapped by a fear that has nothing to do with a slippery ladder and everything to do with falling.

Then, slowly, his thumbs begin to slide over my skin. His hands inch up my thighs until his fingertips skim the bottom edge of my underwear and slip under to trace the bottom curve of my ass.

I cannot breathe.

I force myself to turn my head and look down at him. His jaw is set tight, a picture of self-control, but when his eyes meet mine, his face relaxes and he shoots me a boyish grin. I attempt my best poker face. “Are you copping a feel, Christopher Montgomery?”

His grin goes wide, putting his dimples on full display. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says, his Southern accent drawing out his words. “I’m just trying to perform a necessary rescue mission.”

“Do I look like I need rescuing?” I ask. Under the lace edge of my panties, his thumb strokes again, a long, slow motion that makes me want to close my eyes and moan. I resist and hold his gaze.

“Who said you’re the one I’m rescuing? Maybe I’m trying to save myself.” He drops his hands and grabs a hold of the sides of the ladder, then he climbs up behind me so his body is pressed against mine, my back to his front. His mouth hovers above my ear, his breath hot and uneven. “Because I swear if I have to go much longer without touching you, I’m going to implode.”

His lips skim my earlobe, and my eyes float closed. My brain has no room for sight when it’s overloaded with sensations. His lips on my ear. His hard chest against my back. His breath against my neck. “I need to know, Grace.”

I open my eyes and swallow hard. I don’t want to talk. Not right now. I’m too afraid I’ll ruin this moment with my choppy stutter. “What?”

“I need to know . . .” He leans his forehead against my shoulder, and I watch his knuckles turn white as he tightens his grip on the side of the ladder.

On the ground beneath us, someone clears his throat. “You two heading up or down?”

Chris mutters a curse and takes a step down so I have the freedom to move. I scramble up the ladder with him behind me. When we reach the top, I can’t look at him.

“Sorry about that,” he calls to the people below, then he grabs my wrist and pulls me off to the right toward a rocky alcove just off the trail. A wooden sign tells me this is “The Devil’s Ice Box,” and beyond the sign, a thin waterfall drizzles into a pool of crystal-clear water. Chris leads the way, following the rocky edge around to the backside of this semi-secluded space and stopping by the waterfall. I pass him, feigning interest in the rocks and water so I don’t have to meet his eyes. There’s a cavern behind the waterfall, a haven from the falling water.

“I have to know,” Chris says, his words nearly drowned out by the falling water. “Is it just me? Everything I feel when you’re close to me? Tell me you feel it too.”

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of emotional romance that sizzles, Lexi enjoys reading, sunshine, a good glass of wine, and rare trips to the beach. Lexi lives in Indiana with her husband, two children, and neurotic dog. You can find her at her website: lexiryan.com

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I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
Just a warning to people that if you don't like dark reads then this isn't the book for you, as there are scenes of violence and taboo subjects.
This book is not your typical Romeo and...

It was nice to have Bash's story in print.
I finally got to understand why he did what he did. The pressures that he was under and that he felt that he had only one way out of it.
It's nice to see a book that deals with real life issue...

This deserves 4.5 stars
This was a dark dark read, only read this if you like dark reads.
Pepper doesn't disappoint with this book, OMG Pepper but where do you get you ideas from this was fantastic.
This is a slightly different plot b...

**** I received this arc in exchange for an honest review***
This book is about two desperately messed up people who come together.
Grayson has just escaped an abusive relationship and moves home. She has a twin who is the complete opp...